SUBURBAN REPORT.

Bike path opposed by residents

March 09, 2003|By Jennifer Taylor.

NAPERVILLE — About a dozen residents have complained to the Naperville City Council about a new plan to extend the DuPage River Trail.

Residents living along Worthing Drive, Ring Road and Kingsley Drive thought the extension of the bike path would run along the river for 2.6 miles from Washington and 87th Streets and end at Washington Street and Royce Road.

The first three portions of the 9-mile trail are complete.

After hearing concerns from residents where other path plans were proposed and doing further research, city staffers are recommending an on-street path for the fourth segment of the trail.

"The path goes through my neighborhood and directly in front of my house," said Kingsley resident Don Chambers. "This path as proposed now isn't a path. It is a roadway."

Residents also were concerned about bike traffic and safety during rush hours.

The new recommendation saves the city more than $200,000. Staffers suggest in a report that the on-street alternative would be temporary until river properties in the way of the path could be acquired.

Some council members were skeptical about the recommendation. As a result, the plan has been referred to the city's Transportation Advisory Board for review by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.